Marc Topkin is reporting that the Rays have designated Leslie Anderson and Justin Ruggiano for assignment. The move clears space on the 40-man roster for Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez. The Rays now have 10 days to trade Anderson and Ruggiano or have them subjected to waivers.

Moving Ruggiano means that Sam Fuld, acquired in the Matt Garza trade, will likely make the opening day roster as the fourth outfielder. Ruggiano’s right-handed bat may have fit the roster a little better, but the Rays appear to be choosing Fuld’s higher upside.

Anderson, is a little surprising. After defecting from Cuba, the Rays gave him a four-year deal, that still has three years left. The amount owed is not substantial ($1.1 million), but they must have seen enough in one year to feel he was not going to be a big league contributor in the next year or so.